Winding and reeling mechanism



R. E. ZENNER WINDING AND REELING MECHANISM April 13, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed May 13, 1947 2 1 g. if

nre-1 2 ,PWyMa/vo @KfW/V56 April 13, 1954 R E ZENNER 2,675,185

WINDING AND REELING MECHNISM April 13, 1954 R. E. ZENNER 2,675,185

WINDING AND REELING MECHANISM `Filed May 15, 1947 :s sheets-sheet s 92 ZZTZE'HZDJ" Y E27-gs.

ferred is maintained Patented pr. 13, 1954 2,675,185 WINDING AND REELING MECHANISM Raymond E. Zenner, Brookfield, Ill.,

Armour Research Foundation of 'assigor to Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Ill., a `corporation of Illinois Application May 13, 1947, Serial No. '747,638 4 Claims. (Cl. 242-^^54) My invention relates to winding and reeling mechanisms such as are used i'n connection with magnetic recording equipments and the like to transfer a medium from one storage device to another.

Inthe recording of an intelligence on a lengthy medium such as magnetizable wire or'tape, the medium is passed over a head which varies the condition of an incremental length of the medium, such accordance with the time variations of the intelligence, thereby imparting to the medium variations along its length in accord with the intelligence. In reproduction, the medium is again passed over a head in the same direction and the condition of the medium along an incremental length thereover is reproduced as a signal, such as sound, thereby converting the variations of the medium along its length to a time varying signal corresponding to the recorded intelligence.

Inasmuch as the time variations of the recorded and reproduced signals correspond with the variations of the medium along its length, it is necessary in such recording and reproducing equipment mechanism capable of causing the medium to travel across the head at a predetermined con- `stant velocity. Moreover, it is highly desirable that this mechanism be capable of rewinding the medium after recording or reproduction to enable the medium to be restored to a condition on the storage devices or spools wherein the intelligence may be reproduced again. It is accordingly a general object of the present invena tion to provide an improved winding and reeling mechanism capable of drawing a lengthymedium across a head at constant velocity and which is selectively operable to rewind the medium.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved winding and reeling mechanism wherein the tension applied to the medium transat a predetermined value suicient to prevent entangling but insufcient to cause undue breakage.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved winding and reeling mechanism wherein the medium may be transferred 'in one direction at one predetermined velocity and in the opposite direction at another predetermined velocity.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved directional driving retarding system for use in a winding'and reeling Vmechanism.

AIt is still another object of this invention to Il las the magnetization thereof, in

to provide a winding and reeling 2 provide an i proved drive capable of causing travel voi' a lengthy medium in either direction but which may 'utilize a unidirectional drive motor.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved vdrivemechanism vto'cause travel of a lengthy medium in either of two -directions at predetermined unequal velocities and which may be driven by a constant speed driving motor capable of rotating in only one direction.

Further, it is an object ofthe present invention to provide an improved `clireo'tior'ral slip `clutch and brake for use in reversible winding and reeling mechanisms.

My invention further resides in features of construction, combination, and arrangement, wherein a simple and jelective winding and reeling' mechanism is provided, which mechanism is simple in construction and reliable in operation and may be manufactured from readily available materials.

The novel features which Ibelleve to be characteristic of my invention are set 'forth with particularity in theappended claims. My invention, itself, however,` bothas to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

On the drawingsf Figure 1 is a top plan View of an embodiment of my invention showing medium storage devices, a capstan, and a lengthy medium Wound thereon;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of my invention showing the reversible drive mechanism and theassociated mechanism;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through axis III-III, Fig. 2, and showing the `cca-operating elements of the drive mechanism of that figure;

Figures 4 and 4A are diagrammatic views illustrating the operation of the drive means of the embodiment of my invention shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure `5 is a side elevational view similar to Figure 2 but showing an alternative embodiment of my invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along axis VI-VI, Fig. 5, showing the drive elements of the form of my invention shown in that figure;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional View through axis VII VII, Figure 6, showing the directional slip clutch used therein;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary side view like Figure 5 but showing an alternative drive suitable for grips i Figure use with a single speed unidirectional drive motor;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through the axis IX-IX, Figure 8; and

Figure 10 is a view like Figure 9 but showing the mechanism adjusted to drive the medium in the opposite direction.

ne shown on the drawings:

In Figure 1, iii and l2 represent medium supporting devices, such as spools, upon which rn'e.n diurn iii is wound so as to be transferable therebetween by appropriate rotation thereof. In transferring between spool II) and spool I2, rnc'- diuni it passes over guide pulleys `IE andV Itas well recording and reproducing .head 20 and the capstan mechanism shown generally at 22.

It is the function of the capstan mechanism,

shown generally at 22, vto impart to medium Ill a predetermined linear Velocity determinedby the angular velocity of capstan wheel 24. This wheel is constructed of rubber or similar mata rf l which, when' acted Vupon by pressure rolls edium ifi to prevent slippage thereof relative to the wheel 26. Thus by maintaining constant the angular velocity'of'motor 3i), a oonetant linear velocity isrimparted to medium Ill.

I In the application-of this invention to a'magnetic recorder or reproducer, the medium Ill is passed over a head 20 which is electrically corinected to signal circuits ,32. In the recording operation, an intelligence, such as sound, is converted in signal circuit 32 to a time varying electromotive force which, when impressed on head produces a time varying magnetic neld therein. rIhe time varying magnetic yfield magnetizes each incremental length of medium Ill as it passes over head 23, thereby imparting Ya longitudinally varying degree of magnetization along the rnediurn te in accord with the intelligence. Conversely, in the reproducing operation, the passage of medium le over head 20 induces a timevarying electroinotive force therein 4corresponding to the longitudinal variations in magnetization of the medium, which time varying electromotive force is amplified and reproduced as sound by signal circuits l32.

Itis the purpose of idler wheels 34 and 36, Figure 2, together with driving wheel 38 and driven wheels dii and 42, to drive spools I@ and i2 in the take-up direction to wind medium I4 thereon. To this end, idler Wheels 32 and 35 fare mounted upon shaftsdl and at vwhich are spring biased in direction to wedge wheels 34 and 33 between wheels et and 38, and wheels 32 and 33,- respectively. The biasing action for this purpose is derived from springs 4S and 5Fl, Figure 3, which are each anchored at one end to shafts d@ and lI, respectively, by washers 45 and dl, and on the other end to supports 52 and respectively. Supports 52 and 54 are attached to top panel 23 as will be evident from Screws 53 and 55, Figure 3, are provided to adjust the tension of springs 48 and 50.

The operation of idler wheels 3d and 33 as a directional drive may best be understood from Figures aand 4A whichshow the forces acting thereon when medium it is in the .process of being wound on spool I2, Figure l. In Figure l the-direction of motion of wheels 38, 3E Vand A2 is indicated by arrows 58, 53 and 30, respectively.

4 by reason of the frictional losses therein, together with the tension of medium I4, this wheel causes a retarding force to be exerted on wheel 35, this force having the direction as indicated by arrow tt, Figure 4. Since the forces 52 and 3A both Y have substantial components in direction tending to support or add to the bias of spring 53, wheel 33 tends to be wedged between wheels 33 and ft2, by reason of the drive action. l-lence a relatively great frictional engagement exists between wheel 38 and wheel 42 and relatively large torque is exerted on the latter wheel by the former.

f The operationof wheel 3d when medium I is being wound on device I2 will be evident from Figure 4A. In this figure, arrows 33, 63 and 'lil indicate the directions of rotation of wheels 3S,

'3A and '43, respectively. Since wheel 38 is a These correspond to the direction of travel in- ASimilarly, since wheel 42 acts Vas a driven Wheel driving wheel, force of direction shown in arrow i2 is applied to wheel 34 by the action of wheel 33.- Moreover, since wheel il!! is a driven wheel, force having direction indicated by arrow 'it is imparted to wheel 34 by the action oi wheel 123. It will be evident that forces in direction of arrows l?. and it have substantial components in direction opposite to the tensioning action of spring lit, Figure 3, and oppose the action of that spring in wedging wheel 34 between wheels 3% andiil. Accordingly, the frictional engagement between wheels 34 and 33, together with the frictional engagement between wheels 34 and 5:3, is smaller` in amount than would exist in the absence of retarding torque on wheel Il. For this reason, the torque actually exerted on wheel i3 is smaller in amount than would be associated with rotar tion in the opposite direction.

When the direction of rotation of capstan wheel 24 and wheel 38 is reversed, the effects above described are likewise reversed and wheel 3d produces more torque on wheel 4t and wheel it produces less torque on wheel 42, thereby causing increased winding torque on spool Iii and decreased winding torque on spool I2. Y

It is the function of belt 16, spring "i3, and pulleys B0 and 82, to act as a directional braise to retard rotation of medium supporting devices Ii) and I2 in the unwind direction. As will be evident from Figure 3, belt 'I3 is attached to anchor 34 which is supported from rear panel so as to prevent rotation of that belt around pulleys 36 and 32. If, for example, mediuin- Ill is being unwound from device Il! and wound on device I2, these devices both rotate in the counterclockwise direction as seen in Figure l, and pulleys 8! and 82 are likewise rotated in a counterclockwise direction as seen in Figure 3. Since belt 'it is relatively inextensible between support 8d and pulley 33, a substantial frictional force is exerted between that pulley andthe belt. On the other hand, sincev spring 13 is relatively extensible, the rotation of pulley 82 produces little retarding torque. Conversely, if pulleys 33 and B2 are rotated in a clockwise direction (corresponding to winding of medium lll from spool I2 to spool IB) belt 'IB produces relatively great retarding torque on pulley 32 and relatively small retarding torque on pulley 88.

From the above description it will be evident that belt 'I6 acts as a more effective brake on pulleys Sil and 82 when spools I3 and l2 are rotated in the unwind direction than if rotated in the wind direction. Consequently, greater retarding torque is produced on wheels is and 42 when they rotate in direction corresponding to unwndng 0f medium I4 from the'corr'esponding spool. This torque ments of clutch I I0. vthis view, pulley wheel nemesis is `balanced to only a slight degree bythe action of wheels 34 and "36 for the reason that 'these 'wheels have only slight friction engagements with wheel 38 during this rotation.

VThe relative diameters of wheels 36. 38 and 42 `are-chosen so 'that `when medium I4 tends to be wound upon Aspool i2, the linear velocity tended to be imparted theretoby rotation of that spool is greater than the linear velocity imparted by capstan wheel 24. slippage accordingly takes place between `wheel 36 and wheel 38 or wheel 42 Yand medium I4 is `maintained taut between capstan wheel 24 and spool I0 and forms a tight coil on spool I0. When medium I4 is being unwound from spool I0, the medium is maintained taut in this region by the action of belt `'I6 which exerts increased braking leffect when spool I2 rotates in the unwind direction. Similarly, `the relative diameters of Wheels 34, 48 and 40 are chosen to maintain medium I4 taut in the region between spool and capstan wheel 24 `when rotates in the wind direction. Asbelt it brakes spool I!! when rotating in the unwind direction, .medium I4 is maintained taut .between capstan'24 and spool I0 regardless of the direction of travel thereof.

One or more of the 'wheels 34, 3?, 3&3, 40 and 42 may be surfaced with `felt'or similar material to achieve a uniform `opposition to slippage and prevent gripping.

Rotation is imparted `to capstan 24 Vand wheel 38 by motor 30 which is selectively operable to rotate in either direction so as to enable transfer of medium :I4 in `either direction from between spools IU and I2. In one arrangement, for example, this motor may be of the direct current permanent magnet type having direc- :tion of rotation determined by the polarity of the voltage applied `from source 29. VSwitch 3|, connected to control this polarity, operates as a directional controlling lswitch to select the direction of transfer of medium I4. An Valternative method of achieving this reversible rotation is described hereafter with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7. In this embodiment selective driving and braking of spools and I 2 is accomplished by the use of belts |40 and |42, together with directional clutches |08 and ||0. As will be evident from Figure 5, pulley' |44 is attached to shaft 8S so as to rotate with capstan 24 as that shaft is driven by motor 30. This causes correspond ing rotation of the pulleys I I and |38, and driving `the directional clutches shown generally at -.|08and|||'|.

It is the function of the directional clutches shown generally at |08 and to drive or retard spools |2 and IIB, respectively, in accord with the direction of transfer of medium I4. The-operation of these clutches will be evident from examination of the enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 7 which shows in detail the ele- As will be evident from I I 5 'is rotatably mounted on shaft I i4 which supports spool I0, Figure 5, and has mounted upon its lower surface the ratchet II8, this ratchet being disposed to vengage the knurled outer periphery of disk |20. When Ypulley wheel ||6 rotates inthe counter- `clockwise .direction (Figure .6) relative to `disk I 20, ratchet |f I8 engages'thezsurface lof. that disk, thereby causing disk.

|20 to rotate with .pulley l||. This drives shaft M4 tionally engaging washers i. `2 which fare held between disks |24, the latter being `attached to shaft II4 to rotate therewith. When pulley wheel II 6 rotates in the clockwise direction relative to disk |128 `as seen from Figure 6, ratchet II8 slides over the Vknurled surface of disk |20 and no `engagement is produced therebetween. .Ratchet "|26 is supported on bracket |21 which is `attached to the frame |25 and is likewise adapted to engage the knurled surface of disk |20. As will be evident from .Figure 6, this ratchet is directed so as to engage the knurled periphery of disk |20 only when that -disk tends to rotate inthe clockwise direction as seen in the View of that gure. Disk .|25 `is accordingly held stationary 'against clockwise rotation as seen in Figure 6 and the frictional engagement between that wheel and shaft ||4 due to washers |22 and |211 retards rotation of shaft I |4 and spool I0. On the other hand, if wheel |20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction as seen in Figure 6, ratchet |25 swings clear and produces no retarding eiect.

Ratchets ||8 and Vthrough Vthe `frio- I2 E3 are provided with .guides I 23 which ride on grooves |38 of the knurled periphery of disk |20. These guides frictionally engage the grooves I3@ and cause ratchets I|8 and |26 to tend to swing clear of wheel |20 to a greater or lesser degree in accord'with the direction of rotation thereof. This supplements the natural tendency of ratchets IIB and |26 directionally to engage and assures reliable operation of the directional clutch mechanism.

Nut |32, washer |34, and spring washer |35, are provided to adjust the axial force between washers |22 and wheel |20, thereby enabling adjustment of the clutch and braking action of unit IEB. Washers I 22 are preferably of a soft material such as felt to facilitate control of the frictional engagement.

Clutch Iii is like clutch Iii except that ratchet I 31 is supported on bracketA I 39 to engage and prevent counterolockwise rotation of disk ld and ratchet |4| is supported from pulley wheel |38 to engage and drive disk |89 in the clockwise direction.

In the operation of the embodiment of my invention shown in Figures 5 to '7, when switch 3i is adjusted to energize motor 30 to rotate shaft 86 in the counterclockwise direction as seen in Figure 6, linear velocity is imparted to medium hl by capstan 24 in direction to transfer medium I4 from spool I to spool Sii as will be evident from the dashed lines of Figure 6. Simultaneously, spool is driven in the wind direction through belt |42 and ratchet IIt at an angular velocity exceeding the'angular velocity corresponding to the linear velocity imparted to medium i!! by capstan. 24. Hence, the clutch iid slips and medium'ili .is maintained at a predetermined tension between capstan 24 and spool iii. Simultaneously, belt I Mi drives pulley |33 in the counterclockwise direction as seen in Figure 6, thereby causing disengagement of ratchet |4I and permitting shaft I2 torotate free of the action of that ratchet. Moreover, as shaft ||2 rotates in the counterclockwise direction because of unwinding medium I4 from spool I2, ratchet |31 engages the knurled periphery of wheel |2|, to hold that wheel stationary and retard shaft Mii so as to maintain medium I4 taut between spool I2 andcapstan 213.

When switch 3| is adjusted so that motor 30 drives shaft t6 in the vclockwise direction `as i., 7 seen in Figurez.6,"ratchet |4| engages and clutch '|83 tendsfrictionally to drive spool I2 in direction to'take up medium I4 at Ya greater rate than that corresponding to the linear velocity imparted by capstan 24. On the other hand, clutch |08 causes a frictional retardation of spool |I) because of the engagement of ratchet |25, thereby maintaining predetermined tension in medium I4 as it is unwound therefrom. rIhus medium I4 is maintained taut in either direction of travel.

Figures 8, 9, and are views of an alternative drive constructed in accordance with the prin ciples of this invention. In this construction a unidirectional drive motor, 88, is supported from rotatable platform IGZ, the latter being supported from tcp panel 23 and frame |25 by shaft |64. Belt S4 extends between pulley 96 on the shaft of motor 88 and pulley e8 on shaft gta which supports capstan wheel 24 and pulleys Ille. Idler ,pulley |125 is rotatably supported from platform |532 and wheels 90 and 92 are attached to the shaft of :motor 88 and the shaft Eea respectively. Knob 91, Figure 8, permits rotation of shaft Il and hence platform |932.

When shaft |94 is adjusted to the position of Figures 8 and 9, motor 88 drives shaft Sita through belt 94 and pulleys 9E and 9S, the direc tion of rotation of shaft 85a being the same as that'of motor 88. When shaft IM is rotated to the position of Figure 10, belt 94 rides on idler pulley |06 and shaft 86a is driven by the fric tional engagement between wheels et and t2. 'fn this condition, the direction of rotation of shaft 8S@ is opposite the direction of rotation of motor 83 thereby causing travel of medium it, 5, in the opposite direction.

In addition to reversing the direction of rotation of shaft 86a relative to the direction of rotation of motor 88, rotation of shaft me to convert the drive from that through pulley @il to that between wheels 93 and Q2 varies the relative speed of shaft 85a with respect to the speed of motor 88. Thus, by properly choosing the relative diameters of wheels di) and 92 and pulleys 96 and 9S, the medium I4 may be transferred at different velocities depending on the direction of travel. In a magnetic recording and reproducing mechanism this is of substantial advantage inasmuch as it rewinding of the medium I4, thereby reducing to a minimum the time necessary for the rewinding operation.

The belt 94 is made of rubber or similar elastic material to enable it to withstand the stretching associated with rotation of shaft |84. Alternatively, a yieldably biased idler pulley may be mounted to engage belt 94 and enable the platform |62 to be rotated Without unduly tensioning that belt.

In a modified form of the present invention as shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, the wheels 9i) and 92 may be eliminated and a drive motor for pulley |66 attached to platform |62. In this case, belt 94 drives pulley 98 from pulley 8 in the position shown in Figures 3 and 9 and from pulley |06 inthe position shown in lFigure if). Moreover, by making either or both of the motors attached to platform |32 reversible, it is possible to achieve selective rotation of capstan 24 in either direction and at two speeds in one or both directions.

While I have shown and described the drive mechanism of `Figures 8, A9, and 10 as .applied 110 .the alternative form of my invention shown permits more rapid ,8 I in Figures 5, 6,'and 7, it will be evident'to those skilled in the artv that this drive may equally well be applied to the form shown in Figures-2 and 3. I

The term "capstan as used herein is intended to include any device about which a lengthy medium is wound to impart linear velocity thereto by rotation of the capstan, irrespective ofthe angle of contact between the device andthe medium. i

While I have shown particular embodiments of my invention, it will of course be understood that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications both in the elements disclosed and their cooperative structure may bc made without departing from the spirit andscope thereof. I, of course, contemplate by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and alternative constructions as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A reversible winding and reeling mechanism comprising in combination, a housing including a generally planar panel, a pair of medium supporting devices on one side of said panel, a medium wound on said devices to be transferred therebetween by rotation of the devices on axes generally at right angles to the plane of said panel, a capstan on said one side of said panel in engagement with said mediumv in the region between said devices, shaft means connected to said capstan and extending through said panel to the other side thereof, an electric motor in said housing and connected to said shaft means for driving said capstan at constant speed to draw said medium from one of said devices and to release said medium to wind on the other of said devices, a pair of wheels mounted within said housing one beneath each of said devices and in driving connection therewith, a driving wheel mounted generally horizontally Within said housing and in driving connection with said capstan shaft means, a pair of auxiliarywheels disposed within said housing and each disposed for driving engagement with said driving wheeland one of said other Wheels, the auxiliary wheels being disposed on the same side of a line connecting the axes of said drive Wheel and said other wheels, means biasing each of said auxiliary wheels to wedge between said drive wheel and the respective one of said other wheels simultaneously to produce a greater or lesser torque in accord with the direction of rotation of said driving wheel, one of said auxiliary wheels being disposed to produce said greater torque in direction to wind said medium on one of said devices when said driving wheel is rotated in one directionV and the other of said auxiliary wheels being disposed to produce said greater torque in the direction to wind said medium on the other of said devices when said driving wheel is rotated in the opposite direction.

2. A reversible Winding and reeling mechanism comprising in combination, a housing including a generally planar panel, a pair of medium supporting devices on one side of said panel, a medium wound on said devices to be transferred therebetween by rotation of the devices on axes generally at right angles to the plane of said panel, a capstan on said one side of said panel in engagement with said medium in the region between said devices, shaft means connected to said capstan and extending .through said panel to the other side thereoLan electric motor in said housing and connected to said shaft means for driving said capstan at constant speed to draw said medium from one of said devices and to release said medium to wind on the other of said devices, a pair of wheels mounted within said housing one beneath each of said devices and in driving connection therewith, a driving wheel mounted generally horizontally within said housing and in driving connection with said capstan shaft means, a pair of auxiliary wheels disposed within said housing and each disposed for driving engagement with said driving wheel and one of said other wheels, the auxiliary wheels -being disposed on the same side of a line connecting the axes of said drive wheel and said other wheels, means biasing each of said auxiliary wheels to Wedge between said drive wheel and the respective one of said other wheels simultaneously to pro duce a greater or lesser torque in accord with the direction of rotation of said driving wheel, one of said auxiliary wheels being disposed to produce said greater torque in direction to wind said medium on one of said devices when said driving wheel is rotated in one direction and the other of said auxiliary wheels being disposed to produce said greater torque in the direction to wind said medium on the other of said devices when said driving wheel is rotated in the opposite direction, and a directionally operative brake connected to each of said devices to opposite rotation thereof in the unwind direction.

3. A reversible winding and reeling mechanism comprising in combination, a housing including a generally planar panel, a pair of medium supporting devices on one side of said panel, a medium wound on said devices to be transferred therebetween by rotation of the devices on axes generally at right angles to the plane of said panel, a capstan on said one side of said panel in engagement with said medium in the region between said devices, shaft means connected to said capstan and extending through said panel to the other side thereof, an electric motor in said housing and connected to said shaft means for driving said capstan at constant speed to draw said medium from one of said devices and to release said medium to wind on the other of said devices, a pair of wheels mounted within said housing one beneath each of said devices and in driving connection therewith, a driving wheel mounted generally horizontally within said housing and in driving connection with said capstan shaft means, a pair of auxiliary wheels disposed within said housing and each disposed for driving engagement with said driving wheel and one of said other wheels, the auxiliary wheels being disposed on the same side of a line connecting the axes of said drive wheel and said other wheels, means biasing each of said auxiliary Wheels to wedge between said drive wheel and the respective one of said other wheels simultaneously to produce a greater or lesser torque in accord with the direction of rotation of said driving Wheel, one of said auxiliary wheels being disposed to produce said greater torque in direction to wind said medium on one of said devices when said driving wheel is rotated in one direction and the other of said auxiliary wheels being disposed to produce said greater torque in the direction to wind said medium on the other of said devices when said driving wheel is rotated in the opposite direction, and a directionally operative brake connected to each of said devices to oppose rotation thereof in the unwind direction,

10 said brake comprising a belt passing over pulleys connected to said devices and anchored at a point on one side of said pulleys and including a resilient device on the opposite side thereof.

4. A reversible winding and reeling mechanism comprising, in combination, a housing including a panel, first and second medium supporting devices on one side of said panel and having respective first and second shaft means extending through said panel to the other side thereof, a medium wound on said devices to be transferred therebetween by rotation of the devices on said shaft means, a, capstan on said one side of said panel in engagement with said medium, capstan drive means including an electric motor on the other side of the panel and within said housing for driving said capstan at constant speed in either direction to draw said medium from either one of said devices and to release said medium to wind on the other of said devices, take-up drive means between said capstan drive means and said first and second shaft means operable to tend to drive said shaft means in the winding direction at an angular velocity in excess of the angular velocity corresponding to the linear velocity imparted to said medium b-y said capstan, means rendering said take-up drive means inoperative to drive said shafts at the excess angular velocity in the unwind direction, slip brake means having means fixed to said housing and means interengaged with said fixed means and fricticnaliy acting to resist rotation of said shaft means in the unwind direction, the xed means holding said frictionally acting means against movement with said shaft means, and means rendering said slip brake means inoperative during winding movement of said shaft means, whereby in each direction of rotation of the capstan, the take-up drive means will drive the take-up medium supporting device in the winding direction and the slip brake means will act on the unwind medium supporting device to oppose rotation thereof in the unwind direction to maintain the medium in a taut condition between the capstan and the take-up and unwind devices, said slip brake means comprising a belt acting on said first and second shaft means and anchored to said housing at a point on one side of the belt between said shaft means and including a resilient device on the opposite side of the belt between the shaft means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 812,823 Clay Feb. 20, 1906 832,636 Switzer Oct. 9, 1906 983,602 Caine Feb. 7, 1911 1,845,462 Wellman Feb. 16, 1932 2,191,554 Bennett Feb. 27, 1940 2,257,172 Klemola Sept. 30, 1941 2,304,913 Herzig Dec. 15, 1942 2,325,885 Serrurier Aug. 3, 1943 2,528,061 Knapp Oct. 31, 1950 2,549,038 Zenner Apr. 17, 1951 2,607,544 Zenner Aug. 19, 1952 2,609,998 Sear Sept. 9, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 418,762 Germany Sept. 17, 1925 313,672 Great Britain June 20, 1929 139,202 Austria Oct. 25, 1934 

